Reducing Your Risk For Skin Cancer

By Melissa Williams

Its that time of year where we underestimate the effects of the sun. Its not hot, so sunscreen isn’t quite on our radar. But the sun does damage anytime of the year, and too much sun is too much sun.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, every year more than 3.5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the U.S; 90% of these cases are caused by UV rays. And while health professionals do recommend you spend some amount of time every day outside for both vitamin D and your overall emotional state, it’s important you understand how to properly care for your skin.

Seek the shade between 10-4. This is the time when the UV rays are strongest.
Avoid burning. Five or more burns in your lifetime doubles your overall lifetime risk of skin cancer.
Cover up. Wrap around glasses are essential. They not only protect your skin from the damaging UV rays, but they also protect your eyes from such conditions as cataracts. Dark colored fabrics also have a greater UVP (Ultra Violet Protection rating) than lighter fabrics.
Use SPF 15 daily. While it can be tempting to grab SPF 80 and call it good, health experts say how we apply, when we apply and the type we apply has more of an impact than just the SPF number. Look for a broad spectrum (UVA and UVB) screen, apply it at least 30 minutes before exposure and reapply every 2 hours. For an average size person, you need to use at least 2 tablespoons of sunscreen to cover your entire body. Not sure if you’re using enough? Pour it into a shot glass and keep applying til the glass is empty!
If you live in a country where the steering wheel is on the left side then lather up your left half more often when in the car for an extended period of time. Or even just for your commute, be wary that your left side is getting twice the dose of the UV Rays.